Dental Checkup and Cleanings – Alhambra, CA
Stop Cavities and Gum DiseaseBefore They Form
Prevention is the key to excellent oral health, and that means keeping your teeth and gums free of plaque and tartar. Brushing and flossing everyday is an important part of this, of course, but you should also visit our team at least once every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning; this is the only way to clean the spots in your mouth that you simply wouldn’t be able to reach on your own. Have you had two dental appointments yet this year? If not, get in touch with Advanced Dentistry of Alhambra today.
Why Choose Advanced Dentistry of Alhambra?
- Warm, Friendly, Experienced Dentists
- Weekend Hours Available
- Quality Care for Patients of All Ages
What Happens During a Typical Dental Checkup?
The point of a dental examination is to check for signs of cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and other oral health issues. Our team and your hygienist will ask about any health problems you currently have or any medications you take that might affect your oral health. (For example, diabetes is linked to a higher risk for severe gum disease.) We’ll then inspect your mouth for plaque and tartar buildup, softened tooth enamel, swollen or receding gums, mouth sores, and other symptoms that might point to a problem that needs to be addressed. Examinations often involve dental X-rays so that we can check the roots of your teeth and your jawbone in addition to your mouth.
What Happens During a Typical Dental Cleaning?
Once we’ve found any plaque and tartar that has accumulated in your mouth, it’s time to remove them from your pearly whites so that they don’t eventually lead to decay. First, we’ll focus on scraping off the plaque and tartar above and below your gum line. We’ll then floss between each tooth just to make sure there aren’t any harmful substances left in the mouth. Finally, we’ll polish your teeth to get rid of any remaining residue. This also smooths the enamel, which means plaque won’t collect as easily between now and your next appointment.
Why are Checkups and Cleanings So Important?
Dental checkups and cleanings are your best chance to thoroughly clean your teeth. There are many areas where plaque can build up that you could miss while brushing and flossing; if the plaque hardens into tartar, you won’t be able to remove it on your own anymore. In addition to cleaning, these biannual visits are your dentist’s best chance to find and treat oral health problems while they’re still small. Dealing with these issues early on will help you avoid more extensive and costly treatments later.